天

           From how nice this guy spoke, maybe he wasn’t so bad, after all. Hinata could get used to this, if they kept this façade—if it was all an act, and they were trying to deceive him. He hoped not. Being nice to a stranger who just threw tea at them was weird, after all. Maybe the towel did make up for it. It might be permanently red forever… he’d better think twice before using the laundry this weekend.

            ❛ C-Chrysmas special! It’s a– a-Christmas special! ❜ and that’s his reason for getting it, but he said it so quickly that it sounded like he was saying ‘Christmas’ one too many times. He made a face and felt a tingle when he remembered the man said police. Would the police really come arrest him for this? Would Hinata be arrested for this crime? For spilling tea? How long would one be placed in jail for that? Five years would be too long!

            ❛ Water will wipe it off! Then the cops won’t arrest me! ❜ he clearly didn’t hear the other say that they would be the ones arrested. He dug out his handy waterbottle and handed it to him. Hopefully the stranger didn’t mind that he also drank out of it before he got the tea. Please work water, please work.

And was that notebook okay? Hinata was still internally screaming.

A Christmas special? Eichi hasn’t seen any around, and this drink does seem too bad — maybe he should ask him where he got it from..? On the other hand, this does explain the crimson-tinted drink. ❝ I see. ❞

He chuckles at the other’s reaction. From the way he speaks and his mannerisms, he can already tell — this stranger is obviously quite the airhead, isn’t he? Makes Eichi all the more tempted to joke around with him. ❝ I doubt the police will arrest you — but if they do, I’ll be arrested with you, so you don’t have to be afraid of living in the cell alone. ❞ 

Nodding in acknowledgment, he accepts the water bottle from him. Carefully pouring a bit of water on the towel, he proceeds to wipe the stained areas — it’s barely dropping off, but it’s visibly less red than before. ❝ Do you think this will work out? ❞ Then, turning back to look at him in the eyes—— 

      it was as if  shirogane’s very own custom-made brand of nightmarish elixir had slink back in between his cavern of a mouth like treacly cough syrup  &  knocked him out cold .  he feels the discernible ache of dormancy cultivate  &  he’s first confused at the rather offhanded remark  &  how it meticulously ,  carefully pans out like frail swathes of gossamer .  it’s handled with a morbid precision founded only in those who handle a knife like an art ,  glide seamlessly through raw veal like butter .   

      ❝  u-uhm….  ❞    his voice is hoarse  &  sluiced with an onslaught of caged dismay .  the way the other carries himself brings forth vivid macabre recollections of… another guy .  his ears prior perched suddenly wilt ,  his ashen tail tucked in between his legs .   ❝  i-i mean..—- but…  ❞   the man carries his muted gaze across the area , his own  insatiable curiosity eludes him .      ❝  why ??  ❞

He can see the look of distrust in the other’s eyes. Eichi isn’t a stranger to being perceived this way — in fact, he is a tad bit too familiar with being gazed upon with eyes like that — but he supposes he still isn’t used to it.  

( 桜 ) She admitted— the scenery she laid upon, was never thought she could ever see it with her own eyes, what else— in a world full of peace && orange glows, she merely assume her doubtful thoughts that she’ll live in the endless darkness, that lurks everywhere whenever she goes. their everyday lives to a perfect T. 

His voice reaching nearer to her— which cause her eyes to attention at him, to her disbelief, her place is somewhat— far-ish from where she is—

❛ I’m afraid not .. ❜ she frowns before bending on her knees— gesturing him to hold on her shoulders, ❛ Let me help you, i’ll do my best to find any market somewhere to buy one for you. ❜

Ah, so it’s this young lady who’s witnessing him in such a pathetic state? At least it’s not one of his enemies, he supposes. He musters an apologetic smile at her between violent coughs. 

❝ Thank you. ❞ He accepts her offer, placing a hand on her shoulder and allowing her to hold his weight—— 

The tea is lovely, and the cup is like the property of a prince. It strikes her, then, that this is exactly how Eichi Tenshouin presents himself: as a fairytale prince, complete with poise and an aloof formality. She wouldn’t mind if he remained this charming forever. 

The club is a bittersweet subject. Monika lightly shakes her head — “ No, of course it’s fine! ” — but really, she’d rather he didn’t ask.

“ It was the Literature Club, ” she says softly. “ I wanted it to be a place where everyone could grow and showcase their passions for writing, regardless of experience, but… it didn’t work out. ” And whose fault was that? Monika’s smile is two parts sweet and one part rueful as she lifts the teacup to her lips. She decided long ago that the club could not exist; it’s not healthy to think about what she could have done differently. 

By the time she places her cup back on the table, her expression has dissolved into its default cheeriness. “ And you? I’d love to hear about your own school experiences. ”

❝ Those are meaningful and feasible goals. I must say, they are very well-thought of. Are you, perhaps, the club president? ❞ She doesn’t appear as upset as he’d expect someone with a bad experience with their own club to look. He returns her smile with his own—— ❝ Ah, I see. That is unfortunate. ❞ 

Ah, his own school experience. His beloved Yumenosaki Academy. Eichi’s features soften as his gaze fixates on the cup of tea. ❝ I attended an all-boys idol academy. ❞ While being absent for a good part of most of my time there due to my poor health, is what he wants to add, but he decides to omit it for now. 

Ah….damn. Even if he only scrounged up enough for one double-scoop, he couldn’t very well say no after being asked so kindly by the kid ahead of him. Well, it was just on a whim anyways, considering he couldn’t find a bar or the money to drink himself silly in this new town, now that he had the freedom to do so. 

❝ Here ya go, kid. ❞   he responded, handed over what money he managed to scrap.  ❝ Don’t go too crazy though, probably only enough for one or two scoops.❞   The kid’s last statement wasn’t too far fetched, especially when Lindow found all those Fenrir Credits he busted ass for were all but useless here. Go figure.  ❝ No kidding. Just when I thought I died and went to heaven, nothing’s free here either.❞  

❝ Thank you. ❞ He accepts the note from the stranger, giving him a heartfelt smile in return his generosity before passing the salesperson the money. Then, turning back to the stranger—— ❝ Oh, was that all the money you had left? I apologize, it seems like I spent everything. We can share this cup, though. You’re fine with Matcha, right? ❞

❝ What a refreshing smell... ❞ 

❝ Ah, pardon me for the intrusion. The scent of those tea leaves drew me here. ❞ There is no point in denying it — he smelt the fragrance from quite a distance away and followed it all the way here, only to find a dignified young ( ? ) man, by his lonesome, savoring what seemed like one of the finest tea Eichi has come across.     

The sky above is a pale blue, not the azure that indicates the sun shining strongly, but a tentative color that calls to mind the tiny flowers just starting to bloom below it. It’s the color that all too often heralds a storm in the coming hours, as Enkidu has learned. Even so, the day is pleasant for the time being, and the garden is the best place for them to spend it — and it seems as though they aren’t the only one who’s had the thought.

They are customarily interested for a moment, as they are with most humans, and upon entering the patio they simply observe for a handful of seconds, before offering a gentle smile and going to turn away. They’ve never been one to seek contact with humans, after all, with little exception — but what they’re not expecting is to be addressed. They face the other again, curious now, though their expression settles into something soft after they’ve heard the questions.

❝ Perhaps they do know, ❞ they say in response, voice quiet, and the flowers seem to slightly turn to face toward them, instead of tilting their petals toward the sun, ❝ and that’s why they bloom in the first place. Each of them has a purpose, and only a certain time to fulfill it; that should make them want to shine more brightly, shouldn’t it? ❞ 

They take a few steps closer, fingers brushing slightly against the taller-rising blooms. They’re curious, now. ❝ Join you for… ❞ It’s not as though they’re unfamiliar with tea — that much, they do know — but being invited is something strange. How long has it been, now, since they were spoken to as such?

❝ Fufu. That is an interesting perspective. ❞ He nods in approval, blue irises staring into emerald ones. ❝ Doing what one desires to do before they finally wither is, truly, a beautiful thing. Life should be enjoyed to its full extent, don’t you agree? ❞ 

The other’s statement leaves him confused for a split second — do they, perhaps, not know what tea is? Or maybe they needed further clarification? He admits, the idea of inviting someone one just met for tea is a little far-fetched. Judging from the look on their face, Eichi supposes he should elaborate. 

❝ Why, for tea, of course. Black tea, to be exact. ——But if you’d like, I have Earl Grey as well. ❞

@emperorsreign

         Hinata wasn’t sure what was wrong with him. Maybe it was because of the surroundings he now resided in. That must’ve been it. At least the ice drinks were just as delicious as they would be back at home. He was trying to finish sipping it down, but he couldn’t get that last bit at the very bottom. His straw sips were tremendously loud, too. But the boy was determined… so determined, in fact, that he propped the lid off and was about to move an arm.

         However, that arm swung against something soon as he got it open, and the leftover drink went flying out of the bottom. He didn’t realize until it was too late that it landed on someone’s clothes. Clothes that looked really fashionable, at least to Hinata’s eyes. 

Why did bad luck follow him right now? Was it that time of year, a once-in-a-lifetime cycle where depressing… things happen? A curse. Yes.

         At least it was just ice, and only some of the tea, right? And a few of the popping pearls beneath their feet…that was the best part…

         ❛ Towel, where’s a towel? You need a towel! ❜ he dug in his bag that thankfully had one. It was in case he ever had the urge to play volleyball. Quickly, he handed it to the stranger. Was now the time to run away? He wanted to have his towel back though.

That came as a surprise to Eichi. He was just about to make his way down the street to explore the city ( he even bought a tiny notebook with him to map out the place! ) before the tragedy struck. To be fair, he didn’t notice the other standing there too, so he doesn’t blame him. He could always get a new shirt, anyway — to him, anything that can be solved with money is not a problem.

❝ Ah. Thank you. ❞ He accepts the other’s towel with a smile, before proceeding to dab it on the soaked cloth. He wonders why the stranger would carry a towel — of all things — around, but he decides not to question.

So this is the man with the lemon basket.

“ Eichi Tenshouin ” — Earlier, she learned his name from his welcome package, wondered who would be joining her in this empty apartment. Would he be boring? Two-dimensional? She hopes he won’t disappoint.

“ Is that so? Well then, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Eichi! ” Matching his smile with her own, Monika steps inside, promptly closing the door behind her. “ I don’t mind at all. Quite the opposite, actually. My friend used to brew tea in our clubroom. She, ah, ” was a bit of a freak, is what she wants to say, but it’s cruel to speak ill of the dead. She should settle for something nicer, more cordial. “ She kept an entire tea set in the back closet. It was really cute, to be honest! ”

Monika giggles, like the tea is their little inside joke, then slips into the seat across from Eichi.

“ …You know, I wasn’t expecting to get a roommate so soon. ” Translation: I never thought they’d find someone awful enough to be Paired with me. “ It’s kind of exciting! I mean, this whole Pairing Project is based on being ‘ suitable roommates ’ or something like that, right? So, in that case… ” He might be an asshole. “ We should get along just fine! ” 

Her enthusiasm brings a smile to Eichi. No, it isn’t the enthusiasm — it is the ambiguity of whether she is being sincere or simply fabricating stories that makes it all the more exhilarating. She seems perfect — too perfect to be true. Either way, he is pleased — it seems like she is an interesting person worth his time. ❝ Is that so? Fufu, I’m glad, then. ❞ Indeed, it seems like they will get along perfectly. 

He reaches for the teapot, carefully lifting it to make sure nothing spills before pouring a generous amount out. Gently placing the teapot down, he extends an arm to pass the cup to her — — ❝ Here you go. This is one of my beloved, imported from the faraway land of England. I hope it is to your liking, Monika. ❞ 

❝ Oh my, Tsukinaga-kun. Caught up in your own little world again, I see. But that’s fine. You shine brightly either way. ❞

It seems almost like everyone in the city collectively decided to pay a visit to the café today or something — for it is, truly, packed as sardines. Thankfully, he is tall, allowing him to navigate him through the crowd with little difficulty — but he is, unfortunately, far too frail to bulldoze his way around for seats. 

Ah, what a pain. If only his childhood friend was here — he would definitely be able to solve this bothersome problem for him. He clasps a cup of Earl Grey tea tightly in his hands as azure blue irises scan the area for an empty seat... Ah! There it is! It seems like a dignified young lady has already occupied the table, but surely she can spare him the one beside her?

hello beautiful anon… m…me? on point as eichi? thank you i’m glad i can do him justice, even if it’s just a little bit! whether i am passionate about him or not is… (coughs) up for debate. 

also. no one tells the emperor where to steppy. 

                 THERE SHE WAS ,  rehearsing ,  recalling  crafted  choreography  amongst the  gardens.  spins,  hand  gestures  and  vibrant  expressions ,  living the  dream ,  this  is  her  niche :  shocking  the  world  and  witnessing  their smiles  ,  veneration,  APPROVAL.  however  ,  the  harsh  truth  of  her departure  from  uchiura  has  rendered  the  teenager  unable  to  perform  with the  rest  of  aqours  and  cyaron ———— but ,  in  place  of  sadness ,  there  is confidence ,  the  burning  hope  of  showing  the  city  of  koi  the  courage bottled  up  inside   and  exhibiting  her  TRUE  potential  as an  idol.  

a  pause  midway ,  finger  curling  under  chin  in  a  contemplative  matter.  a blink ,  two.  crimson  brow  knits  together  with  ponder,  ❛ ah,  ruby-chan  thinks she  just  did  a  part  wrong…  she  has  to  do  it  again!  ❜ && there’s  an attempt,  lips  silently  syncing  with  mental  verbalization  of  rehearsed  song lyrics,  but  then ————

a  voice  is  heard,  she  wasn’t  alone  like  intended  after  all! bravery  retracts, physique  scrambling  to  find  concealment  behind  one  of  the  bushes nearby. cranium  slowly  motions  to  peek  out  and  inspect.  he  was  still  there,  he saw  her! frame  gradually  removes  from  behind  the  bushes ,  a  shake  of crown  as  response’s interlude ,  ❛ n-no… i’m  sorry. was  I — uhm — in  your way… ? ❜  

❝ No, you are not. ❞ Truth to be told, he was too into his own practice to hear anything else before she approached him —— if anything, he was the one who was more likely to have been causing a disturbance here. He can only hope that it was not the case.

A small chuckle escapes parted lips, the serene smile on his features never once wavering. The fact that she would beside herself in so much worry over something like that baffles Eichi — flowers can only bloom for a short time, after all, so she ought to not bother herself with little things like that and focus on shining. ❝ You don’t have to apologize. ❞ 

All at once, the budding good atmosphere was shattered as Eichi dragged those painful memories from the depths of that dark corner of her mind. Her rational mind told her to simply leave, to go to practice, or simply just go home. To not react, not give him the satisfaction.

But rationality was thrown out the door at those words.

“Only the strong survive and the weak is defeated. You of all people should know that, Keiko-chan.”

With a barely suppressed shriek of rage, her hand shot out and before either of them could really react; it slammed hard against Eichi’s cheek, sending his face to the side and a sting up into Keiko’s elbow. But that was of little consequence.

“You little worm! Acting as though what happened to me back then was a minor mishap! As though you weren’t behind what happened to Valkyrie’s live! Because I know you were!”

Voice shrill with anger, it was a miracle that no-one had come running to the ruckus they were causing. Again her hand shot out, this time seizing Eichi by his collar and dragging him forward to meet her glare, height difference be damned. Keiko noted with some twisted amusement that both fear and defiance were warring in those captivating blue eyes of his. Good. Let him her fear her, let him fight her. Give her an outlet to all the feelings she locked up tightly in her heart.

“And you didn’t blackmail me?! Are you playing games with me Tenshouin-kun? Because if I recall correctly, not only did you threaten to destroy Valkyrie when I refused your little invitation to join fine, when Knights came to my aid you decided they’d also be good collateral damage! You sicken me!”

So saying she shoved the younger boy from her, suddenly taking in gasping breaths as the reality of what just happened caught up with her. Flopping down on her seat once more, Keiko buried her head into shaking hands, a broken sob escaping her throat.

“…why..?! I  a d m i r e d  you so much, and yet you….!”

That slap... It stings. It hurt. But it’s going to take more than just a slap for him to crumble down in front of her. He raises a free hand to rub the reddened skin, his voice soft and gentle as ever—— ❝ Oh, my. That is uncalled for, Keiko-chan. ❞ 

He pauses for a moment, contemplating what to say. ❝ Perhaps you are right. But what happened in Valkyrie’s live... Was done not by these hands, but by someone else’s. I cannot control the actions of another person. I’m flattered that you think this way, though. Do you think I am God? ❞

❝ Well... I don’t quite know how to answer you. ❞ Perhaps she is right. Perhaps he was playing games with her — just like how he’s toyed with those oddballs and that foolish King. Perhaps the whole of Yumenosaki was nothing but a board game for him, and the idols his chess pieces. ❝ First of all, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for looking up to me. If I could shine bright enough for someone to admire me... Then I’m satisfied. At least I did one thing right. ❞    

The young woman who walked in — ah, he understands. She must be the person they told him about, the one who is supposed to share an apartment with him. She looks like a fine, elegant young lady, but there’s something about her that is a little bit... Off. Is it the aura surrounding her? Is it the look in her eyes? Either way, it looks like they have finally met — it is truly an honor. No matter our differences, I pray that we will get along. 

Then again, perhaps they’re not too different. Only time can tell.  

❝ Good day. You must be Monika. ❞ He greets her with a friendly smile, not moving an inch from his seat. ❝ I am Eichi Tenshouin, your roommate. ❞ A brief introduction, but she has more than enough time to ask him about himself later if she’s really curious. 

❝ Grant light to the flower blooming in despair,

that gives you an order lasting for an eternity.

The desolate peak we aim for is within reach —

Neo Sanctuary, our beloved Eden... ❞

His voice resonates throughout the garden as he sings those lines, his voice stable and strong — finally. He is able to deliver those lines without breaking a sweat. It seems like he has truly improved for the better. Ah, God, I thank you for this miracle. His train of thought was, for the better or worse, disrupted when he heard the sound of maple leaves crushing — is... Is someone there? He spins around and sees her.  

Her stature is small — almost like his adorable Tori’s — except, perhaps, Tori has a more confident glint in his eyes. This girl here, on the other hand, looks like she’s about to burst into tears any minute. Oh, dear. If that was to happen, it would be a shame, indeed. Eichi acknowledges her with a small nod and a reassuring smile — perhaps that would make her less flustered?

❝ They look very realistic. ❞ No, perhaps realistic is an understatement. They look like incredibly well-made props — Eichi would know, since he frequents the Drama Club’s practice often and would see all types of interesting props. Though, perhaps this isn’t a prop; those ears look like they actually belong there —— like it is a part of his flesh.    

❝ If I pull them, will it hurt? ❞ The suggestion is not at all nice, but he speaks in such a light-hearted manner as if it is no big deal. He laughs at his own statement, before shaking his head —— ❝ I’m just kidding. You don’t have to be afraid of me. ❞